Politics

6:03 pm

Fri April 11, 2014

Two Candidates Run for Vacant City Council Seat

Two potential candidates have officially announced their intentions to run for the open Cape Girardeau

city council seat that was vacated by Trent Summers’ resignation.

Evan Trump was the first to show interest. Trump is originally from Jefferson City, Mo., but said Cape Girardeau has become his second home. He is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in business administration and was formerly the Cape Girardeau County Republican chairman. He is now the district manager for Bi-State Southern Convenience Stores.

Trump believes his considerable business background will benefit the city council.

Cape Girardeau seeks to fill vacant city council seat

Credit KRCU Newsroom / KRCU

“I would like to serve the citizens of Ward 3 and that’s exactly what I believe the position is,” Trump said. “It’s a volunteer type position and I believe with my business background coupled with my commitment to serve that I can be a good voice for the citizens of Ward 3 on the city council.”

A second potential candidate is Victor Gunn who stresses his extensive background in law enforcement and public safety. Gunn said these experiences will be beneficial to the city council.

“I thought I could bring something to the council with a lot of experience in public safety which, of course, is one of the large concerns the city has to deal with everyday,” Gunn said. “I know they are interested in how they are going to build a new police station and I might have some experience in helping with that. I thought these would be good qualities that would be a good fit for the city council.”

Gunn served as a deputy police chief in Alaska for 21 years before returning to his roots in Cape Girardeau. Since retirement, Gunn has acted as campaign manager for many Missouri political leaders that are now endorsing his campaign such as Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder and Senator Wayne Wallingford.

If Trump and Gunn are the only candidates for the council seat, an election will be held on August 5. If another candidate enters the race, the August 5 date will serve as a primary. The top two vote-getters will advance to the special election in November.